Heat exchange device



June 6, 1933.

J. F. MCINTIIDRE 1,912,460

HEAT EXCHANGE DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 10, 1930 INVENTOR gmviw @Wxb L8 ATTORN EYS June 6, 1933. J. F. M INTIRE HEAT EXCHANGE DEVICE Filed Nov. 10, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 x-ag tfazweifl/vfikfz'm BY m W ATTORNEYS June 6, 1933. J. F. MOINTIRE HEAT EXCHANGE DEVICE Filed Nov. 10, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Ja mes [Wffirl r ATTORNEY,

June 6, 1933. J. F. MCINTIRE 1,912,460

HEAT EXCHANGE DEVICE Filed Nov. 10, 1930 4 Shets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Ml WMf/mm ATTO RN EY- Fatented June 5, 1933 entree STATES PATENT OFFICE LQIJfEl. 1 DEICINTIRE, GE Pill-T1 1011, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO UNITED STATES RADIATOR SOBPGRA'IIGN, OFF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK HEAT EXCHANGE DEVICE Application filed November 10, 1930. Serial No. 494,732.

's invention re ates to a heat exchange device and has particular reference to a device of this character adapted for use in the l system of a building or the like.

The 11"Qlitl011 contemplates in particular the provic 1 of a leating unit'which will include sect ens of both the vertical and horizontal type; the provision of cast sections which may be assemblec to produce heating 1r s of different sizes and shapes; the pronovel header construction for use assembling the sections above mentioned; and the maii'iraniing of a predetermined rela tion between the depth and spacing of the fins forming part of the cast sections.

)ther objects and advantages of the invention will l come more apparent as the following description proceeds, particularly when reference is had to the accompanying dia gs, w erein:

re 1 is a semi-d1agrammatic sectlonal V1; nowing a heat exchange unlt constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention associated with the wall of a room;

Figure 2 is a side elevational View of the ing unit shown in Figure 1; i

e 3 is an end clevat-ional View of the unit 7 own in Figure 2;

Figure f is a sectional view taken substantially on the line t- 1 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substanl y on the line 55 of Figure 2;

i5 igure 6 is a plan View showing an alternate assembly of the sections forming a part of the heating unit;

Figure T is an end elevational view of a 1 modified form of construction;

i e 8 is end elevational view of a he t xchange unit showing a slightly modi- "in of header;

9 is a side clevational view of a structure shown in Figure 8;

a semi-diagrammatic side eleof the heat exchange unit shown in Figure 8; and

V s a view similar to Figure 10 showing a sliglitly different arrangement of parts.

The

heating unit forming the subject matter of this invention is adapted more particularly for use within a suitable enclosure, such for example as between the walls of a building, as illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings. In this figure the reference character 10 designates a side wall of a room, this wall being provided adjacent the floor with a grill 11 providing an air intake and being provider adjacent the ceiling with a grill 12 providing an air outlet,these two grills permitting circulation of air through the space 13 within the wall. It is to be understood that the space 13 might be beneath a window in which event the grill 12 could be located in the lower sill of the window frame. A heating unit designated generally by the reference character 14 is located interiorly of the wall in the path of the flow of air through the space 13 so that the air which enters the grill 11 is heated prior to its discharge into the room through the grill 12. Heating units, when located within enclosures in the manner just described, are limited in their size by the space within the wall and must be capable of thoroughly heating the current of air which passes through the space or chamber 13.

To provide a heating unit having characteristics which adapt it for the above use, the present invention contemplates the pro vision of a cast section 15 having the prime heating surface 16 and fins 17. This cast section is preferably relatively long and narrow to provide the flattened and elongated. interior chamber 18 through which a heating medium such as steam or hot water may be flowed. Ports 19 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the cast section to provide for connection of the section to a source of supply of heating fluid, as will be hereinafter more fully described, and these ports are axially aligned with the section or parallel to the longitudinal aXis thereof, as will be readily apparent by reference to Figures 2 and 4.

One of the important features of the invention is to maintain a predetermined relation between the depth of the fins 17 and the spacing of these fins longitudinally of the section. It has been found that if the I prime heating surface of the section.

fins are made too deep or are spaced too close together, the air which flows past the section will not enter the space between the fins and will not therefore come in contact with the On the other hand, if the fins are made of insufiiciont depth or are spaced too far apart, the elliciency of the section as a heating unit is decreased to a considerable extent. It has been found that best results may be obtained by forming the fins of a depth of substantially 1 g of an inch and by spacing these fins substantially five-eighths of an inch apart. It has been found, however, that the-fins may be spaced farther apart than five-eighths of an inch since with the fins spaced even an inch apart the heating section functions elliciently. The present invention therefore contemplates the provision of a heat exchange section, the depth of the fins of which will be not more than seven-tenths nor less than seven-sixteenths of the distance between the fins. It has been found that a ratio of substantially 2 to 3 is an ideal relation; that is, the depth of the fin being substantially two-thirds of the space between the fins.

In actual use, it will be found most practical to assemble the sections in groups of two, one section being spaced from, butbeside the other, in the manner illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawings. The distance between. the adjacent edges of the fins of the sections may be either one-eighth or onequartcr of an inch, dependent upon the width of the chamber 13 within which the heating unit is installed. In any event, however, the cross section of each air column formed between the corresponding fins and prime surfaces on adjacent sections should be in the form of a rectangle, whose width is not less than five-ninths nor more than equal to its length. It has been found that unless this ratio is maintained in the cross section of the air column, the air which flows upwardly between the sections of the heating unit will'not be efiiciently heated.

For assembling the sections and for supplying a heating medium to the same, there are provided headers which communicate with the sections through the ports 19; Each header preferably comprises a casting provided interiorly with a chamber 26. On its one face each header is provided with four ports 27 adapted to be aligned with the ports 19 of a pair of sections-15 when the latter are assembled in the manner illustrated. Cone-shaped nipples 28 having a wedge fit in the ports 27 and 19 provide means for forming fluid-tight connections between the interiors of the sections and the headers On its outer face each header is preferably provided with the tapped upper and lower openings 29 and 30 which communi- IJate with the chamber 26 and with which circulate from the end of the unit to the space between the two sections 15, While at its upper and lower ends the headers are provided with ears or lugs 33 bored as designated by the reference character 34 to receive tie rods which extend longitudinally of the heating unit and which hold the headers in firm engagement with the endsof the sections. Each header may further be provided with legs 36 to provide means for supporting the unit and to provide for the radiation of heat from the outer surface of the header; this surface is provided with a flattened prime surface 37 which is spaced from a laterally projecting fin or rib 38.

It will be noted that the headers are connected directly to the ends of the sections, the nipples 28 being arranged axially of the sec* tions. It will be noted further that the headers preferably extend vertically along the ends of the sections and connect not only the upper and lower ports 19 of the same section but also the ports of each section to the corresponding ports of the other section which forms a part of the unit. Thus, the heating medium supply and return pipes may be connected either both to one end of the unit and thus to just one header, the openings 29 and 30 in the other header being closed, or may be connected with the supply pipe connected to the port 29 of one header with the return pipe connected to the port 30 of the other header. Thus, the headers provide for flexibility of connecting of the heating unit to the heating medium supply system so that the unit may be readily adapted to the conditions met in actual installation.

Vhile only two sections have been disclosed in the unit above described, these sections being arranged side by side, it will be readily understood that if the width of the chamber 13 permits, three or even more seeions may be arranged side by side in a single unit. Obviously, if it is desired to connect more than two sections together in a single unit, the headers 25 will be provided with additional ports 27 for connection to the additional headers. Thus, the headers may be provided with six, eight, or more ports 27, dependent entirely upon the number of sections which it is desired to assemble in a single unit.

It sometimes happens that the space available in the enclosure will permit the utilization of two or more sections 15 arranged end to end and it will be noted, by reference to Figure 6 of the drawings, that the sections forming a part of the subject matter of this invention adapt themselves readily to such an installation. Thus, two sections 15 may be arranged end to end, the adjacent ports 19 of these sections being connected by nipples 28. Obviously, the unit may be formed with only two sections arranged end to end, or may be formed with four sections, the second two sections being arranged beside the first two sections in the manner clearly illustrated. Gbviously, the headers may then be connected to the free ends of the sections in the same manner as described in the first embodiment of the invention.

If desired, the headers 25 may be eliminated and small yolres 10 may be provided for connection to the end ports 19 of the sections. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 7 of the drawings, the lower ports 19 at one end oithe unit may be closed by suitable plugs and the yoke 10 provided with the inlet port l1 may be connected to the upper ports 19 of the sections. Obviously, at the other end of the unit a similar yolre may be associated with the lower ports of the sections or this cutoff might, if desired, be connected with the lower ports of the sections at the same end as the upper cutoff.

In Figures 8 to 11, inclusive, a further modification of the inventive idea is shown as including a header which provides for the assembly of the several cast sections in still further ways. Referring then particularly to these figures, it will be nbted that each header comprises a casting 25 having the openings 27 29 and 30 and having also a depending portion 50 provided on its inner face with the tapped opening 51. It will be noted that in this form of construction the legs 36 are eliminated, the heat exchange unit being supported in position by suitable hangers or the like (not shown).

It will be understood that the tapped opening 51 communicates with the chamber formed interiorly of the header so that the heating medium supply or return pipe 52 may be connected to the header by way of this opening rather than by way of either of the openings 29 or 30. This type of header will find particular utility for use in enclosure such, for example, as within the walls of a building where the studdings 53 are so spaced that to connect the heating medium supply or return pipes to the outsides of the headers would decrease to too great an extent the amount of heat exchange surfaces of the unit. Thus, the heating medium supply and return pipes, instead of being connected to the out sides of the headers and thus being arranged between the studdings and the headers, may be connected to the openings 51 and extend downwardly below the body portion or" heat exchange unit formed by the sections 15.

By reference to Figure 10, it will be noted that, if desired, the headers may be arranged with both of the openings 51 below thebody portion of the heat exchange unit, it being understood that the openings 29 and 30 of he headers will be plugged. WVith this arrangement the heating medium supply and return pipes may extend downwardly through the floor and be entirely within the ends of the heat exchange unit. If desired, however, one of the headers may be reversed,

as shown in Figure 11 of the drawings, so i that the heating medium supply and return pipes may be connected one to the top and the other to the bottom of the heat exchange unit, depending entirely upon the type of heat exchange medium which is supplied to the unit.

In any event it will be noted that a header constructed in accordance with the showing in Figures 8 and 9 may be assembled in a unit in which the heating medium supply and return pipes are connected either to the outsides or the ins des of the headers, depending entirely upon the space available for the unit. It will be understood that the tapped openings in the header which are not used for the connection of heating medium supply or return pipes will be closed by plugs or the like so-that by supplying a single form of header construction and suitable plugs for closing the openings thereof, heat exchange units of any desired character may be assembled and the heating medium supply and return pipes may be connected to these units in any desired manner.

In the several forms of invention disclosed it will be noted that each unit includes heat exchange sections of both the vertical and horizontal type. I-leretofore it has been customary to provide heat exchange sect-ions of the horizontal type similar, for example, to the sections 15, and to connect a plurality of these sections in pa 'allel spaced relation to each other by laterally extending connections. It has also been customary to arrange in a single unit a plurality of vertical heat exchange sections, such, for example, as the headers 25. It is believed new,'however, to combine, in a single unit, one or more horizontal heat exchange sections with one or more vertical heat exchange sect ons and it tl'ieretore constitutes a feature of this invention to provide a heat exchange unit which includes vertical and horizontal sections angularly positioned with respect to each other I and connected so that a heating medium may flow from one section to the other.

From the above it will be apparent that the invention provides a heating unit formed of a plurality of cast body sections and headers which provide for the connection of the body sections. The body sections are capable of assembly in a number of different ways so that the shape and size of the heating unit may be in proportion to the space in which the unit is to be mounted and a predetermined proportion is maintained between the height and spacing of the fins of the unit so that the utmost efiiciency will be obtained from the unit.

\Vhile the invention has been described with some detail, it is to be understood that the description is for the purposes of illustration only and that the right is reserved to make such changes in tie details of construction and arrangement of parts as will fall within the purview of the attached claims.

hat I claim as my invention is:

1. In combination, a. plurality of cast heat exchange sections each section having a plurality of ports in each end and each port in each end being axially aligned with a corresponding port on the other end whereby said sections may be assembled either end to end or side by side to form a heat exchange unit, and headers adapted for connection to said sections and providing for the supply of a heating medium to the same.

2. In a heat exchange unit, plurality of cast heat exchange sections arranged side by side, each of said sections being provided interiorly with a chamber for receiving a heating mediun'l and each section being provided at each end with upper and lower ports communicating with said chamber, and headers connected to said sections and providing communication between the upper and lower ports of each section and between the corresponding ports of adjacent sections.

3. In a heat exchange unit, a plurality of cast heat exchange sections arranged side by side, and headers arranged at the ends of said sections and providing for the supplying of a heating fluid to s; id sections, said headers eing provided with openings which permit the circulation of air through said headers and between said sections.

at. In a heat exchange unit, a plurality of cast heat exchange sections arranged side by side, and headers connected to the ends of said sections, each of said headers being provided on its outer face with a relatively wide prime heating surface and a rib substantially parallel to but spaced from said prime heating surface.

5. In a heat exchange unit, a plurality of cast heat exchange sections arranged side by side. each of said sections being provided at each end with upper and lower ports, and a header extending across the ends of said sections and providing communication be tween certain of the ports of said sections.

6. In a heat exchange unit, a. plurality of cast sections arranged side by side, each of said sections being provided interiorly with achamber and each section being provided at each end with upper and lower axially ar ranged ports communicating with said chamber, a yoke extending across the ends of said sections and providing communication between all of the upper ports of the sections, and a second yoke extending across the ends of said sections and providing communication between all of the lower ports of said sections.

7. In a heat exchange unit, a plurality of heat exchange sections a "ranged side by side, headers arranged at the ends of said sections connecting adjacent portions of said sections together and adjacent sections to each other and providing for the supplying of a heating fluid to said sections, said headers being provided with portions projecting beyond the longitudinal edges of said sections, and heating medium supply and return pipes connected to the projecting portions of said headers and arranged in the plane of said sections.

8. In a heat exchange unit, a plurality of cast heat exchange sections arranged side by side, headers located at the ends of said sections connecting adjacent portions of said sections together and adjacent sections to each other, each of said headers being provided with a depending port-ion projecting below the lower edge of said sections, and heating medium supply and return pipes connected to the depending portions of said headers and arranged in the plane of said sections.

9. In a heat exchange unit, a plurality of heat exchange sections arranged side by side, each section being provided in each end with a. plurality of ports, and headers associated with the ends of said sections and connecting the ports of each section together and the ports of each section to the ports of adjacent sections.

10. In a heat exchange unit of the class described, a heat exchange section of the horizontal type having a plurality of ports in each end, each port in each end being axially aligned with a. corresponding port at the other end, and a heat exchange section of the vertical type angularly positioned with re spect to the heat exchange section of the horizontal type and having ports in alignment with and connected to certain of said axially aligned ports aforesaid.

11. In a heat exchange unit, a header comprising a casting provided interiorly with a chamber having four openings in its inner face for attachment to radiator sections arranged in pairs, and having upper and lower openings in its outer face for attachment to fluid supply and return pipes.

12. In a heat exchange unit, a header attachable to radiator sections arranged in pairs and comprising a header having openings for one fluid in opposite faces thereof and provided between said opposite faces with an opening through which another fluid may circulate to the space between the sections aforesaid.

13. In aheat exchange unit, a header attachable to radiator sections arranged in pairs including a hollow body provided in one side with laterally spaced openings through which a fluid may flow to and from said sections, and provided in its opposite side in substantially horizontal alignment with said openings with an opening through w ich the fluid aforesaid may flow.

ln a heat exchange unit, a header 'sing a hollow body provided at one 1th means for attachment to two radiator sections arranged side by side and provided at its opposite side with means for attachment to a fluid conduit.

1:". In a heat exchange unit, a header comprising a hollow body provided at opposite sides thereof with openings for a fluid, and provided at an end thereof with means for receiving a tie rod by which said body may be secured to a radiator section.

16. In a heat exchange unit, a header comprising a hollow body provided centrally with opening through which air from the atmosphere may flow to a space between two r? liator sections arranged in pairs, and provided at opposite sides of the opening with cans for attachment to two rod sections ranged in pairs.

17. In a heat exchange unit, a header coming a hollow body provided in one side an opening through which a fluid may foresaid may flow, said laterally spaced opening being in substantially the horizontal plane of the first mentioned opening and arranged to be in line with openings in radiator sections arranged in pairs, said body also having an opening extending from the first to the last mentioned side whereby air from the atmosphere may flow therethrough into the space between the sections arranged in pairs.

18. In a heat exchange unit, a header comprising a hollow body provided in opposite sides thereof with openings through which fluid may flow, the openings in one side being spaced laterally apart in substantially a common horizontal plane for attachment to radiator sections arranged in pairs, said body also having an opening extending between the opposite sides aforesaid so that air from the atmosphere may flow therethrough the space between the sections arranged in pairs, and having means at opposite ends thereof for receiving tie members by which said body may be connected to the sections arranged in pairs.

19. In a heat exchange unit, an elongated body section providing a single chamber of substantially the length and height of the unit, said section being provided on one end with a plurality of ports communicating with said chamber, and a header associated with the said section, having ports connected to the ports in the end thereof, and having other ports adapted to be connected to similar ports in another section corresponding to the section aforesaid.

20. In a heat exchange unit, a body section providing a single chamber of substantially the height and length of the unit, said body section being provided with upper and lower ports at each end communicating with said chamber, and headers associated with the ends of said section, having means providing communication between the upper and lower ports of the section, and having means for providing communication between upper and lower ports in another section of corresponding construction.

21. In a heat exchange unit, a plurality of cast sections arranged side by side, each of said sections being provided interiorly with a chamber, and each section being provided at each end with upper and lower ports cominunicatin with said chamber, means extending across the ends of said sections and providing communication between all of the upper ports of the sections, and means eX- tcnding across the ends of said sections and providing communication between all of the lower ports of said section.

22. In a heat exchange unit, a plurality of heat exchange sections arranged side by side, each section being provided in each end with a plurality of ports, and headers associated with the ends of said sections connecting the ports of each section together and providing communication between adjacent sections.

In testimony whereof I atfix my signature.

JAMES F. MOINTIRE. 

